But they are really at the heart of why I'm feeling this longing to renew my connection with my part in God's Story. You see, I have a duty to pass on the best view of that Story to them so they can make the best choices for their own stories. It reflects the relational heart of God for all of us.
I know I make mistakes - far too often to even count. But I am beginning to realize that my mistakes grieve God not because I broke "some code" but because I have chosen to walk away from the greatest gift I've ever been offered. I make my choice to tell God, "Hey! What you offer is great and all, but I think I'll try it my way for a while. You'll still be there when I'm done, right?" And God is still there, but he's sadder because I chose to turn away, even if for a little while. And that brings me back to my girls.
As my pastor said today, I am part of the I AM. That needs to sink in and have an effect on how I view my world. When I choose to write my own definitions for everything, I choose a weaker, darker story. And, by extension, I pass that along to those who matter the most to me - my wife and daughters. I make it harder for them and others I encounter to choose a better part in God's Better Story.
So, as a part of this Lenten reawakening, I want to offer the best choices to my wife and especially to my girls. I want to claim the best part of God's Story consistently. I know I will miss it (and do so often), but I want to continue coming back to God's Story, erasing what I've written without his guidance, and joining with him to continue creating the best part possible for me and my girls. I owe it to them as their father and as one who wants them to love God with all their hearts. I have a unique opportunity and a duty ... because of them.
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